This bill amends RSA 656:24 to require that when there are two or more candidates for nomination to the same office, their names must be alternated on state primary election ballots. The new legal language specifies that candidates' names should appear nearly an equal number of times at the top, bottom, and in intermediate positions on the ballot. The previous exception for the office of state representative, which mandated alphabetical ordering of candidates' names, has been removed from the law.

The bill is expected to have a fiscal impact, as it will necessitate significant changes to ballot design, printing, distribution, testing, and training for local election officials. The Department of State has indicated that software upgrades may be required for the ballot design system, and if the current system cannot accommodate these changes, a new system may need to be procured, leading to indeterminable increases in expenditures. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 656:24